The Dynamo, on the other hand, have missed the playoffs three years in a row and are coming off a last-place conference finish.

Things have changed this season, especially for the Dynamo (10-8-7). They have been in first place several times this season - most recently last week. Their ultimate goal, Wenger said, is to be at the top of the conference at the end of the regular season.

Toughest road test yet

A win in Wednesday's Texas Derby finale would help more than almost any other result this season because it also would mean FC Dallas (9-6-8) would be further behind in the standings.

The bragging rights would be nice, too.

"Everything goes out the window when it is a rivalry game," said Wenger, who had one goal and one assist in his 2016 Texas Derby debut. "No matter what the points are, where we are in the season or how either team is playing, both teams will find a way to get up for this game. It doesn't matter who steps on the field. You're going to see a typical hotly contested game between two teams that don't really like each other.

"They've had a lot of success in the last couple years. We want to change that. We want to be the most successful team in Texas. Then go from there and be one of the more successful teams in MLS. We also respect them. They've been very good."

More Information

Dynamo update

Aug. 19: Whitecaps 2, Dynamo 1.

Record: 10-8-7.

Today: At FC Dallas, 7 p.m.

TV/radio: KFTH; 650 AM, 1010 AM (Spanish).

The teams have tied both meetings this season, meaning if there is a winner on Wednesday, that team would claim the season series and get ownership of El Capitán, the replica Civil War-era howitzer cannon.

The Dynamo currently hold the trophy, so they would retain it if Wednesday's game ends in a draw and there is no playoff meeting.

Keeping up momentum

The Dynamo are in a better spot for the rematch in Frisco than they were for the first meeting May 28. They had lost all six of their road games to that point but broke through for their first positive result away from home in the form of a 0-0 draw.

They have four positive road results, including one victory, since then and even are feeling fine about their performance in last weekend's loss at Vancouver.

"The first time we went up there, we were searching for our identity on the road," Dynamo goalkeeper Tyler Deric said. "With these past couple games getting some good results and having some good performances, it means a lot. That helps us carry our confidence over."

They will get even more confidence if they can break through with a goal Wednesday. They have scored only one in their two meetings this season. Coach Wilmer Cabrera said in a game between two evenly-matched teams, finishing is likely to be the only difference.

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If they can do that better than FC Dallas, they will have bragging rights and be closer to the top of the league for when it matters most - at the end of the season.

"I hope we look good," Cabrera said. "It is a lot of work. It is a tough game. It is a quick turnaround after a long trip, but we need to be ready. We cannot make excuses and we have to face a very good team that is going to come after us with a lot of energy and desire to do their best."